American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association Launches Community Navigator Initiative Partnership with USDA Forest Service to Connect Indigenous Communities with Climate Resilience Resources
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (September 10, 2024) – The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), the only national organization dedicated to advancing cultural tourism in Native Nations and communities across the United States, has launched a partnership with the USDA Forest Service and its Community Navigator Initiative. The goal of this partnership is to connect and support Native Nations and communities in the U.S. and those at high risk of wildfires and climate with opportunities created by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Laws, landmark investments in the nation’s infrastructure.
“We are excited to partner with the USDA Forest Service on this important initiative,” said AIANTA CEO Sherry L. Rupert. “This partnership allows us to expand our reach and empower Indigenous communities with the tools and resources they need to address the climate crisis and promote healthy forests and lands. Healthy forests are vital not only for environmental sustainability but also for the economic vitality of Native Nations, where recreation and cultural tourism can truly flourish. Through our new mentorship program, we will provide essential guidance to Native Nations in securing grant funding and building the capacity needed to ensure that their tourism and recreation enterprises can thrive in harmony with their cultural values and the environment.”
As part of the project, AIANTA will launch an extensive mentorship program to help Native Nations and communities build climate resilience by finding and accessing grant funding and capacity-building support. AIANTA will provide guidance and support in identifying funding eligibility, resources needed to apply for grant funds, and workshops and training sessions centered on building climate resilience and organizational capacity. This project is rooted in recreation and tourism with a focus on healthy lands and forests, which result in healthy economics for Native Nations where recreation and cultural tourism can thrive.
“Many communities, especially Indigenous and Tribal communities, face barriers to identify and apply for funding opportunities, including infrastructure investments made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Forest Service Deputy Chief for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry, John Crockett. “This partnership with the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association will help to bridge the gap to ensure indigenous communities have access to these important investment opportunities while supporting tribal sovereignty and furthering the agency’s Tribal Action Plan.”
Native Nations and communities who are looking to start or expand their cultural tourism footprint and recreational opportunities can find resources at www.aianta.org and visitors interested in learning more about Native culture can visit www.nativeamerica.travel.
About AIANTA:
For more than 25 years, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has served as the only national organization dedicated to advancing cultural heritage tourism in Native Nations and communities across the United States. Established by tribes for tribes to address inequities in the tourism system, AIANTA is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit governed by an all-Native board of directors and serves as a united voice for the $15.7 billion Native hospitality sector. AIANTA’s successful legislative work led to the industry-changing Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (NATIVE Act) funding in 2018, as Indian Country Tourism was recognized through federal appropriations via NATIVE Act implementation. AIANTA’s mission is to define, introduce, grow, and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian (AIANNH) tourism that honors traditions and values while helping AIANNH businesses become market/export ready for domestic and international markets. Visit www.aianta.org to learn more.
About the USDA Forest Service:
The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. In early 2023, the Forest Service implemented a new roadmap to serve tribal nations with a deeper commitment to regular and meaningful consultation. It is known as the Tribal Action Plan.
Media Contact:
Liz Slobodian, APR
Liz@shipwrightcommunications.com
Photo credit: AIANTA
Caption: Meek’s Bay at Lake Tahoe, within the USDA Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit